Hey everyone,
I'm entering into a case competition for restaurant idea pitches and could really use all of your guys' help.
Essentially I want you guys to tell me about your favorite restaurants. What are your favorite dishes there? What makes them unique? What is the atmosphere like? Is there a theme? How expensive are the dishes? Why do you keep going back there? What style food do they serve? Are they niche or broad-based? etc. etc.
I would really appreciate the help and will keep you posted on the results
Thanks in advance =)
I'll help out:
My favorite restaurant is a small neighborhood spot. It has a relatively small menu that changes seasonally. The "theme" is sort of an eclectic organic type thing. The ingredients are local (most of them, obviously can't get everything local) and it has a bit of southern infusion.
Favorite dish is usually the local fish (depends on the day) or the jambalaya. I guess what makes these dishes unique is the blend of flavors and ingredients that they use. They don't have a standard side item, all of the dishes have their own side that has been chosen specifically for that dish.
Why do I keep coming back? Because the food is great, the atmosphere is lively (and not stuck up) and it has a great (and very affordable) wine list.
I would say that the place is very affordable, $15-20 for a main plate,$8-15 for appetizers, and most of the wine bottles are under $40.
I wont tell you which one my fave restaurant is as it is not in the states but the thing that makes it work for me is the
Even though the food is not the best in town it is the little details and PR moves that do the trick to get the crowd in and make a difference. This may sound totally stupid but eg. : you get warm bread when you are seated with truffle/herb flavored butter and when you order a drink you get really nice snacks (like sugar coated fruit, honey glazed nuts) that just make you prefer going there than your standard peanut bowl.
I tried to write this in the most pitchy way hope it helped
Favorite Restaurants? (Originally Posted: 08/01/2016)
One of my goals whenever I visit a city is to eat at one high-end restaurant. Always curious to learn about other great places to go, and I figure that given the industries WSO users work in, fine dining will be a shared interest.
Off the top of my head, some of my favorites have been Gary Danko in San Francisco, Restaurant August in New Orleans, and Sushi Nakazawa in New York. I have a reservation at Manresa in a couple weeks, so I'm very much looking forward to that.
Not super pricey, but I just went to Beauty & Essex in the Lower East Side, Manhattan, and absolutely loved the atmosphere and the food. It was about $200 for two people, and the interior is beautiful.
As for Chicago, I've heard that Alinea is the go-to high-end restaurant, but lived there in college when I was broke. Schwa is also great as well, I've heard.
I've heard incredible things about Alinea. That's a restaurant I would plan a trip to Chicago around.
Last time I was in Chicago, we ate at TWO, which I thought punched way above its price point. They serve midwestern food in the Tapas style.
Maybe you've forgotten about your days being broke in college, but $100 per a person is the definition of pricey.
As a life long New Yorker, I can attest to Beauty and Essex being the best spot for brunch in the city.
Not really a big fan of really expensive restaurants but Cochon in New Orleans is spectacular.
Was there for a bachelor party recently and it was delicious.
Del Frisco's in Philadelphia Smith and Wollensky in NYC
Some of my favorite steak houses not only based on food but atmosphere as well.
Check out Prime 112 if you're in South Beach. It doesn't have a vibe like Del Friscos, but it has it's own unique vibe and is a celeb favorite.
I've eaten around Philly a fair bit, not at that specific Del Frisco's though. Butcher & Singer is located in an awesome venue. I thought Barclay Prime was overpriced; I went with my parents, and our steaks were all extremely over-salted---unacceptable for a high-end steakhouse. Outside of steakhouses, I enjoyed Bibou, Zahav, and Alma de Cuba as well. Parc's a good brunch spot.
I'll second Alinea's reputation from my time in Chicago. I've also heard phenomenal things about Sorellina in Boston. Both I've yet to experience.
The following aren't really "fine dining" in what I'm sure you're envisioning, but I'd like to put some awesome spots on your radar that you might overlook if you're in western PA to the Philadelphia suburbs. I'll sneak in a few Chicago gems as well.
Honey: Doylestown, PA
Altius: Pittsburgh, PA
Marsha Brown: New Hope, PA
Chicago q: Chicago, IL
Also, ECHO in Cranberry, PA was great. It has since shutdown, but there was past discussion of them reopening a new spot - I'd keep that in mind if their team gets back together.
Finally, I can't miss mentioning RA Sushi in a food post. By no means is this an upscale spot, but it is one of my favorite places for drinks and sushi, at least the one in the Gold Coast of Chicago. Try their Chili Ponzu Yellow Tail if you ever stop in, both the appetizer sashimi style and the roll is addicting.
Marsha Brown... now there's a place I haven't been to in years. Was good from what I remember, though.
Quite surprised to have someone on the forums that has not only heard of it, but has been there too. It is still as good as you remember.
My little brother is a server a Marsha Brown's. I always go there when I'm visiting home, such a good place. My friends from high school and I meet up there and then head over to Triumph Brewery. New Hope/Doylestown is such a sneaky great food scene.
Hall's Chophouse and Oak Steakhouse in Charleston are both amazing. Hall's was recently named the best steakhouse in the country.
Don't have much experience in Savannah but I had a fantastic meal at Garibaldi's. Italian.
Catbird Seat is absurdly good in Nashville and I've never had a bad meal at Kayne Prime either. DeSano's pizza makes my mouth water still thinking about it.
The Carlton is my favorite nice restaurant in Pittsburgh, but the places I miss most are Atria's and Prime Brick Oven and Tap Room - not high brow but they certainly stand out in my memory. Nap's Cucina Mia in Indiana, PA and Luigi's Ristorante in Clymer, PA are fantastic Italian if you're ever lost in western PA about an hour outside of the city. Feel free to chime in shortstack
Had a great meal this summer in Atlanta but I'm struggling to remember where it was. Almost train station like architecture in the dining room. Multiple levels. Buckhead. Completely blanking on a name. Might have something to do with the amount I drank that night though.
Edit: Had a good meal at Umbria in SF too. 198 Second Street. Not high end but delicious.
Were you at Chops?
https://www.buckheadrestaurants.com/chops-lobster-bar/
Happy to be brought back into the conversation for Indiana, PA. Although I have no comments for Nap's, right next door is a place called India Grill. Out of every Indian restaurant I've been to, this tiny hole in the wall takes the cake in regards to flavor. It seems like a crazy claim for a little spot in a small college town, but I have not found a more appetizing Chicken Tikka Masala elsewhere, and I frequently try to.
Going back to Nap's, I'd be willing to bet Donatello's gives them a run for their money. A solid spot up the street, finding itself as one of the classier options in town.
Everything we ate in Austin was amazing, from Brown's BBQ (arguably better than Franklin, and you don't need to wait in line for hours) to Perry's Steakhouse to Frank (best hot dogs I've ever had in my life).
When you get the time, you should edit your first post with all of the suggestions, sorted by city. I'd definitely check back in here when traveling.
Alinea (Chicago) and French Laundry (Napa Valley) are the two best meals I've ever had, hands down. They are totally different styles with Alinea bringing lots of creativity and innovation to their dishes and Thomas Keller just perfectly executing things that you have probably seen before. Also loved both of Chef Cantu's restaurants in Chicago; iNG and Moto, although now that Cantu has died things probably have changed :( Anyone been to these in the last year??
If you're in SF, I actually think Atelier Crenn is the best spot among many notables in a world-class food scene. It currently only has two Michelin stars, but I think she will be the first woman in U.S. to reach three stars in the near future. Saison is also really good, but don't do the wine pairing or you will be too drunk by the end to taste the food. My wife literally puked in the bathroom and I had to carry her out lol. Stay classy.
Haven't tried Manresa but people I trust swear by it. Please keep us posted!
When did you eat at FL? I was under the impression that it's declined a bit over the last few years.
Hadn't heard much about Atelier Crenn, but I'll add that to the list of places to check out. Thanks!
Crenn was on the new season of Chef's Table on netflix.
I'll put my Philadelphia opinions in:
Favorite steakhouse: Barclay Prime Overall favorite (excluding Vetri): Vernick
More in SF:
-Foreign Cinema -The Slanted Door
Slanted Door is great. Next door, Hog island's got great oysters. Of course, this is assuming you're fine with paying the Ferry Building tourist premium.
New York City:
Italian: Locanda Verde, Bar Primi, Fresco, Scarpetta Chinese: Philippe Chow, Shun Lee Steak House: Del Frisco, STK, Peter Luger's
Eleven Madison Park would have my vote for best high-end dining in the country. A better all-around experience than Per Se or Alinea. I found the latter two, particularly Per Se, to be too sterile, although Alinea recently remodeled so we'll see...
Vetri is a special place.
Would love to try French Laundry, Atelier Crenn and Benu.
Dallas: - Stephen Pyle's Stampede 66: Steakhouse and Western cuisine - Javier's: authentic Mexican food, not Tex-Mex. They have a cigar room if you are inclined and the atmosphere is fantastic
Nashville - Catbird Seat.... If you can get a reservation - any of the M street restaraunts
French Laundry and Spruce in SF.
Been to Spruce in SF which was fantastic.
Haven't been to Allinea yet but it's on my list and Moto (Chicago) was amazing when I was a few years ago. Also, L'espelier in Boston was decent but that was also some time ago.
eh, I used to live next to Spruce and I wouldn't recommend eating in the formal dining room. Way too stuffy and honestly not worth the price tag in my opinion. Eating in their bar area, on the other hand, is always a good option.
Also in SF: Nopa Out the Door (same owner as Slanted Door) flour+water Soto Mare Park Tavern
Grace (Chicago) is an experience, nothing below stellar.
American Psycho references were at an all time high not too far back, surprised nobody has said Dorsia
No one eats there anymore
Chicago:
David Burke's - Best in the city for any occasion Mastro's - Nothing you can only get in Chi but best porterhouse around Bavette's - $ spot to take the lady Gene & Georgettis - Old school italian joint you take the old man
Not sure how much time you've spent in town, but if you haven't yet, go check out some spots in the Viagra triangle. Craft your own Manhattans at Luxbar and brunch at Tavern on Rush. You won't be disappointed.
There's also some awesome food trucks that usually show up around Clark & Monroe. That's only about one block south of Madison. Cheesie's Mac & Cheese grilled cheese is incredible, just be sure to ask for extra dipping sauce.
Dallas:
Bob's Steak and Chop House- get the filet, rare Pecan Lodge - they have a menu item called "the trough," bring friends Mesero - latest incarnation of Miguel Rodriquez, Tex-Mex extraordinaire
Great list, going to add:
Japanese: Uchi - This place puts Nobu to shame Steakhouse: Al Biernat's
NYC:
Japanese: Nobu, 15East, Sushi Nakazawa, Blue Ribbon Sushi, Ippudo (ramen) French: Dirty French
Uma Sushi - BucKhead Atl
404 Kitchen - Nashville
Wildair - NYC
If you are ever in Malibu. CA I would definitely recommend dining at Nobu on the PCH. Amazing view and even better food. And by view I mean the people.
Chicago: Oriole
I was going to say something smart ass about a good authentic Italian place on the north side of Times Square that serves amazing salad and breadsticks, but this list is actually awesome.
Blue Hill in Westchester is quite good. https://www.bluehillfarm.com/dine/stone-barns
Dan Barber is brilliant.
L'Atelier d'Edmond in Val d'Isère, France.
Los Angeles- Nobu in Malibu sitting beachside Sugarfish- best sushi for price
Ju-Ni is the new hottest omakase in San Francisco. Been meaning to make a reservation there. It's pretty reasonably priced as well, I think it's a 12-course omakase for $90.
My GF is a food snob, so when we were putting on airs (beginning of the relationship), we went to:
River Cafe Per Se Nobu
my wallet cried for a while.
Go to any michelin star french restaurant in manhattan
Bring a briefcase stuffed with cash and some tissues to wipe your tears
http://www.tastingtable.com/dine/national/singapore-michelin-star-hawke…
Novikov in Mayfair. Food is shit but you'll spend $$$ and impress anyone you take with you who is not accustomed to rubbing shoulders with shady city-types , Ukrainian mobsters and Russian plutocrats.
Chili's...Nothing more needs to be said
SF: Mourad (Moroccan) SPQR (Italian) Foreign Cinema has been hit or miss for me, been a few times for work/to bring guests from out of town. The atmosphere of the outdoor seating is amazing at night. Luisa's is pretty awesome Italian and the owner is a batshit crazy old woman who is always in there.
There's actually too many places to try, RIP in peace my wallet.
Las Vegas: SW Steakhouse at the Wynn Orange County, CA: Mastros Steakhouse
Anyone have any recommendations for Boston? I'm heading out there in September
Giacomo's
Just going with my favorite in each city, a lot of types / price ranges -
Nashville - Arnolds NYC - Peter Luger Vegas - Chada Barcelona - Monitel Prague - Cafe Imperial
London:
Rules American Bar at Savoy Duck and Waffle Breakfast Club (to speak with the mayor)
Hong Kong:
Mott 32 Jackson Room at Hong Kong Club
Sydney:
Machiavelli's Bambini's Quay
My girlfriend's family lives in Anchorage, Alaska and whenever we visit/need a vacation from the lower 48, 49th State Brewery is a must, has some of the best food I've ever have. It's not that high end but I'd put it up against anything I've had during my time in DC/Philly/NYC/SF. If anyone plans on visiting Alaska (highly recommend it, btw) go there, it also overlooks the water front and mountains.
I rarely go to high end places when I travel for the simple reason that a lot of high end places are pretty generic and dont give a good sense of local culture and cuisine. A 3 michelin star restaurant in London is the same as one in Paris.
I like to hunt out places on the cheaper end of the spectrum, either places where locals eat that serve top quality fresh local produce in a simple way or interesting places that specialise in one type of dish.
Favourites in London:
Bocca Di Luppo (Italian with some interesting offal dishs) Bao (incredible taiwanese street food) Hawsmoor (best steak in London imo) The Harewood Arms (michelin star pub grub!)
I would consider myself a foodie, but I don't like the whole entourage that comes with Michelin star dining. Also I very much consider value for money a factor. With that in mind, my additions below.
London Goodman (steak) Galvin La Chapelle (good for dates) L'Autre Pied (relaxed atmosphere, can go there in shorts) Zuma (Japanese/sushi - very pricey but great atmosphere and awesome food)
NYC SushiYou - this place is a gem, it's in a basement and they play loud 90's music but the food is amazing Bouley Steak - I found all the steak houses in NYC quite disappointing... Essentially just massive slabs of meat, but taste and preparation was lack luster IMO. If a steak "needs" sauce, it's not a good steak. Sides were often downright shit
Not all of these are "high end", but they will kill your per diem + some nonetheless.
Boston-L'espalier, Asta, Meyers+Chang NYC-Estela, Daniel Philly-High Street on Market, Zahav, Vetri CLT-Kindred, Barrington's, Sagionni Miami-Alter Houston-Oxheart (their sister bar Public Services is excellent for a drink too), Pass and Provisions, Pax Americana, Vic and Anthony's Chicago-Tru, Alinea, Next LA: Providence SF: Atelier Crenn, Benu, Coi, Commis (Oakland) London:Ledbury Seasalter, UK: Sportsman - they are about an hour and a half outside of London by train, but worth the trip Lummi Island (easiest to fly to Vancouver and drive back into the US): Willows Inn Paris: L'arpege
Bella Blu: NYC Trattoria L'incontro: Queens Park Side: Queens Gallagher Steakhouse: NYC Del Friscos: NYC/ Philly (I liked the one in NY better)
If you're in Philadelphia and want cheesesteaks Jims Steaks South Street (IMO better than pats and ginos) Dalessandro's Steaks in Manayunk is good too
I always tell people visiting Philly to forego the cheesesteaks and instead get a roast pork sandwich from Dinic's.
All NYC:
Steakhouse - Del Frisco's Chinese (late night) - Wo Hop Cheap casual (Seamless) - Sophies Brunch - Joseph Leonard Italian - L'Artusi American - The Smith Ice Cream - Oddfellows Cupcakes - Two Little Red Hens
Here's an unconventional one. Try "La Tour" in Vail. They're surprisingly good for the price although portions are small.
Dorsia... too easy :P
Not incredibly high end, but if you're looking for excellent seafood in a casual seafood bar-style setting you can't go wrong at Swan's Oyster Depot in SF
Adding on for Chinese: Red Farm: one on Hudson Street and one on Upper West Side (Broadway).
Just ate at Hudson St location Sunday night and it was pricey but unreal food, top quality.
Gaucho
NYC definitely check out Asiate at the Mandarin Oriental, one of the most overlooked high-end restaurants and my absolute favorite. It will be objectively one of the most delicious meals you will ever taste. Be careful what you order, because you will never be able to eat that dish anywhere else again. Also, not necessarily high end, but Palma in Greenwich Village has the best homemade gnocci you will find in this city.
St. Louis may not be on many people's radar, but given Stifel is headquartered there as well as a massive PWM presence... Tony's is about as good as you can get for classic, top of the line 5 star Italian goes, but there are other fantastic italian places around like Dominic's, Giovanni's, Paul Manno's, John Mineo's
Atlanta - Gun Show (by kevin gillespie)
GQ's 25 Best New Restaurants in America in 2014 and Esquire magazine's The 25 Best New Restaurants in America
I had an excellent experience at Manresa and am glad I went. However, I'd say only half of the courses were truly outstanding. The other half were high-quality but didn't really give me a new perspective on food, a new tasting experience, etc. I'd expect more from a Michelin three-star. One of my friends who went with me had been to Manresa before they earned their third star and said that this wasn't as good as his previous experience. The service was absolutely impeccable, of course.
I went to Spruce last weekend. Even for its price point (which is very reasonable IMO), my entire party was disappointed. The service was not up to snuff---in particular, the server who brought the charcuterie plate gave a rushed explanation of each component while talking at the ground instead of at us. That plate was good, although my entree, a duck confit that had been highly recommended by friends, was oversalted and dry. The beignets were exceptional, possibly the best I've ever had, but the plum fruit tart was pretty bad.
Heading back to Gary Danko next week.
ATL - Staplehouse
Bon Appetit Best New Restaurant in America 2016
How do you find out about good restaurants? (Originally Posted: 12/14/2016)
I wanted to know how you all discover new restaurants/ hidden gems in the city.
I usually talk to police officers wherever I go. They usually haven't been wrong when it comes to new Mexican and Italian food.
Yelp helps sometimes but I take some of those reviews with a grain of salt. Sometimes reviewers outright sabotage its reputation with an unwarranted bad review.
So what's your strategy for finding new eats in the city?
Walk into the restaurant to see if the review check out.
Walk around going into random restaurants.
Talk to people in the business. Ask your server the next time you go out to eat what they know. Generally speaking, the best places, regardless of cuisine style, are places that are scratch kitchens. A scratch kitchen is one where they make everything form scratch in house, like the sauces, dressings, etc. The less that a restaurant relies on packaged products, the better. Some things don't make sense to do in house anymore, like bread rolls, but fresh is best.
That's for the server idea... I'll definitely try that next time!
Sometimes I take breaks from my work at the click farm and check out yelp
I normally go on to WSO to see what people are saying whenever I have a question about ANYTHING.
I'll just wait for the next thread to be posted, maybe it will be about "Where do you go to buy a gun?" Honestly asking to see where people go
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